The WVU Mountaineers (3-6, 1-5 Big 12) beat the Houston Cougars last week, 45-35. They face another 3-6 team this week as Colorado comes to Morgantown for a noon game. WVU snapped a five-game losing streak last week and secured its first Big 12 win of the season. They have a solid chance at two wins in a row as they attempt to finish the season on a strong note. The game starts at noon on Saturday, and you can watch it on TNT. Read more: WVU vs. Colorado preview: Mountaineers aim to keep momentum at home.
WVU vs. Colorado preview: Mountaineers aim to keep momentum at home
The injury news for the Mountaineers remains similar to that of previous weeks. They are still missing several key players for the season, but there are not many for this upcoming week. Wide receiver Jeff Weimer is probable as he deals with an undisclosed injury. Left guard Donovan Haslam is also probable with an undisclosed injury. He started the last game and should have a chance at starting this week after the offensive line performed well last week.
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The Buffaloes have several injuries to watch this week. Guard Xavier Hill missed last week’s game with a concussion, but is probable this week. Both tackles, Jordan Seaton and Larry Johnson III, are questionable. Running back Simeon Price, who has missed five consecutive games, is doubtful this week but has practiced.
Wide receiver Hykeem Williams is not playing this week and is missing his fourth consecutive game. Cornerback Makari Vickers is missing his third straight game, and defensive linemen Amari McNeill and Christian Hudson are missing their second successive game. Colorado is also without safety Tawfiq Byard for the first half due to a targeting penalty last week.
Matchups to watch
The performance of the ground attack last week is promising heading into the matchup with the Buffaloes. The Buffaloes are the worst team in the Big 12 at defending the run, allowing 215.8 rushing yards per game, while the Mountaineers average 183.9 rushing yards per game. WVU had 246 rushing yards against Houston last week, behind their leading rusher, Diore Hubbard. He had 29 carries for 108 yards and a touchdown.
The Buffaloes are better at defending the pass, but it is mainly because teams can run the ball efficiently against them. Their pass defense is not elite by any means, allowing 210.7 passing yards per game. They allow the second-most total yards per game in the Big 12 (426.4 yards per game). They have depth issues in their secondary as they enter the week, and this provides an opportunity for Fox to build momentum as a passer.
Head coach Deion Sanders is turning to his freshman quarterback this week. Julian Lewis, a five-star recruit out of high school, is getting his first chance to start at Colorado. He has only attempted 21 passes this season, completing 11 for 129 yards and a touchdown. Sanders is moving on from Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter. Lewis presents a different matchup for the Mountaineers, but they can make it hard for him if they get to him. The Mountaineers had three sacks last week against Houston and should have plenty of opportunities this week with a hurt Colorado offensive line.
Final analysis
The Mountaineers enter this game as almost a touchdown favorite and should have a great chance to win this game at home. The fans should turn out to see them in a winnable game, especially as Deion Sanders brings fans to the stadium. I expect the rushing attack to have a great game against this defense and build momentum down the final stretch of the season.
